General Sir Robert Ford Master Gunner
As P. M. pleasure or a duty to be here.
As wife of a former gunner officer— left in no doubt that our invitn. here should be regarded not so much as a request—more a 3— line whip.
No P. M. since Mess was established in 1783.
To wait 200 years before extending an invitation shows a remarkable degree of caution.
Hope we shall do nothing to prejudice the chances of our distance [successors] in the second century of the third millennium.
‘Yes Prime Minister.’
Fund— Pres. of Barnet
Branch
Told £4.5 m a year [end p1] given to those who need help.
Said that God loveth a cheerful given and we have so many here to thank.
Day's Pay Scheme.
Help comes first from the Army family. Regimental & Corps assns.
This cause special.
Freedom and Justice would die unless some were prepared to whatever defend it unto the final sacrifice that it should live.
Ulster— Terrorism.
Falklands—
Hong Kong—
Frontiers of Freedom—
Lebanon— only 100— Cyprus
Rhodesia.
Belize.
30 countries.
However great the power of the machine— professionalism of the men and women that counts— and dedication— belonging [end p2] to something that has a spirit and discipline greater than the sum of the individuals who compose it.
Helps the better to carry out duties— if know that happen what may— families will be looked after.
4 widows from the Boer War.
Thank you for lovely gifts. We shall indeed enjoy a noggin and remember this evening & the cause it serves.
Quotation attached
A song of the English 1893
Keep ye the Law be swift in all obedience Clear the land of evil drive the road and bridge the ford Make ye sure to each his own That he reap where he has sown By the peace among our peoples let them know we serve the Lord.